2007+Acknowledgments

Words are not enough to express my gratitude for the following colleagues that has been incredibly encouraging throughout my renewal as a writer: I wish to thank Jeff Roper, Steve Maack, Teralyn and Kris for all their wonderful instruction, direction and coaching. To my classmates that tolerated my first _ _ _ _ _ drafts. To Terri R. and Linda J. for their wonderful inspirational mentoring that gave me the confidence to persevere. To Mary Dohl for all her patience, kindness and collaboration throughout. To Hannah, the "Yes you can! Yes you can!" and packing the treasure chests. To Ben for times that forced me to take a break. To my husband, Roger that was understanding, supportive, constantly reminding others to be quiet so I could write. To Joshua, for following his dreams no matter who tried to get in your way. Be smart! To Ashley, who inspires me through words in music and poetry. Thank you, Mrs. Whitten for going to the extreme efforts to work me into the class to participate in this wonderful experience.

Forever writing, Lisa Dobbs

I am a Writer! The SCKWP was an incredible experience. I met some outstanding teachers, and made some fabulous friends. Learning about these people though their writings made me closer to them than many of the people I work with on a regular basis. It also made me learn a great deal about myself. I had some incredible guides through the process whose continued ideas, support and laughter made the experience unforgettable. On that note, I would also like to thank my husband Allen, for corralling our three children and allowing me to write freely at night. I would also like to thank him for his absolute love, devotion, and editing skills. I would like to thank my children Logan, Cheyenne, and Savannah, for just being them-goofy, silly, ornery and absolutely adorable. Finally, I would like to thank my parents, Skip and Sharonlyn Nelson. Their continued support, love and guidance through my educational years and into adulthood have allowed me to become the teacher, wife, mother and //writer// I am today.

Renee S. Kohlhagen

For Superman Bill, Jazzy Jess, and Susie Q. Shel. Thank you for inspiring me to sing my song. Love always, Grandma Terri

Thank you Wayne for letting me share our stories. Thank you for your encouragement. Robert and James (my boys) have had to share me with the computer that they accuse me of being scared of, as I type away. Thank you for all of your teenage garbage. It keeps me grounded. Dad, (Alvin Sellens), thank you for writing before I knew what it was. This has allowed me to hope that I might become a writer also. Mom, (Geraldine Sellens), thank you for teaching me to love to read. Thanks to the SCKWP and the backers of this program for allowing me to return to my love of writing so that I can pass it on to the next generation in a better way. Jeff, Steve, Dennis, Teralyn, and Kris are encouraging. Especially thanks to Jesus, my inspiration, my life and my creator. Alexa Harrelson

Thanks to all of my wacky, weird, and loveable friends and family who are always my inspiration. Love to all... Wendy Graber

My heartfelt thanks to Nancy and Geri for giving up a month of their summer to lead us in the journey of the written word. For helping me see the importance of recording memories and events. Also, to my mom and dad who encouraged a love of reading and learning and are proud of my academic accomplishments. Lastly, to my brother, Jake, who has left this world too soon. I promise that I will remember your laugh, your antics, and your love for life and the love you gave us by writing down each precious memory as my mind recalls them. Rachael

To Momma and Daddy- Thank you for the Parents Magazine books and for making reading fun and important. Thank you for teaching me to love learning. Thank you for showing me that no matter how old you are you can still follow your dreams. Lastly, thank you for the typewriter and your support…even though it went away for awhile, I still love to write. Love, Chris

To Mom, Carolyn, Shannon, 'brother' Tony, and all my nieces, nephews, and "greats"--I love you all more than I love life. Thank you for the love and support you've given me! To my SCKWP family--thank you for the camaraderie, and thanks for helping me wade through the 'hell' called technology! To Nancy and Gerri, our surrogate mothers,. . . thanks for the memories! Marilyn

To my SCKWP fellows and instructors: I have appreciated the opportunity to continue to improve how I teach my students and how they learn – I owe it to them to be at the top of my game, every day, every year. It is refreshing to see the passion in my fellow teachers for their profession and most importantly their students – continue fighting the good fight! To my family: Dad and Becky, thank you for setting the example of what being a true educator is all about; it is about the kids – we are in this for the kids. Mom and Jeff, thank you for loving me in times that I was not very lovable; it is amazing to reflect on how I acted as a teenager now that I spend every day of my life with them. Gary and Rita, thank you for always making me feel a part of your family; your support of my continued education has not gone unnoticed. Jen, Ben, and Bud, thank you for giving me so much to write about; we sure had fun growing up – can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of us. To my husband, Bob, I never thought I would find someone who could understand why I love my job, but you do – you understand every moment. You are strong when I need a shoulder to cry on after a bad day and laugh with me about my classroom adventures. You are willing to sacrifice and never question the amount of time or money that I have to spend trying to do what is best for my kids, and for that I love you and thank you! – Samantha Neill

I give my sincere thanks to Gerri and Nancy for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you for choosing to give a month of your summer to lead us through the institute. I would like to thank the fellows of SCKWP 2007 for your unconditional support throughout our institute. I couldn’t have done it without you. To my family, thanks for understanding as I did "my thing" this summer. Your support was tremendous as I ventured into being a student once again. Bless all of you. Shirleen Augustine

To all the writing project instructors and fellows, from 2000 to 2007: From each of you I have learned so much. It doesn't matter if you were directing the class or a participant in the class, you have all taught me so much. When I listen to your writing, I learn about my own writing. When I watch your teacher demos, I learn how to better teach my own students. Thank you all for sharing your expertise. Nancy Sturm

For my son, the story teller, and my daughter full of stories untold, for my dad’s poems, for my aunt Peggy, for my mom’s love of reading, and for the father of my children, for everyone and everything that has encouraged me to become a writer, thank you. Kendra Stuever

Much thanks and acknowledgement must go to Dr. Lori-Norton Meier who stepped “out of the 'university ivory tower' box” and initiated the first National Writing Project in Kansas. Through her efforts, WSU sponsored this fledgling initiative in 2000, and I am proud to have been a part of that original group of Fellows. Through KWP I have been introduced to many wonderful educators dedicated to improving students’ lives and to helping them reach their potential. We have remained friends and encouraged each other through both professional and personal joys and problems. KWP has now become SCKWP (South Central Kansas Writing Project) because Kansas now has two and soon to be three sites. No matter what the name the Writing Project has invigorated my teaching and my life. My husband Paul has constantly encouraged me to use the talents God has given me and to share my words with others. “Did you spend some time writing today?” he often asks. Paul---my coach who seems to know better than I that I can’t perform if I don’t practice. Gerri Hilger

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to take part in the South Central Kansas Writing Project and I would like to thank all those who helped make it possible for me to enjoy this writing journey. First of all, to Dr. Kear, thank you for organizing and coordinating this writing expedition and securing the funding that made it possible. Thanks also to Nancy, Gerri, and Jeff, whose leadership through the writing wilderness challenged us to take trails we had not traveled before and helped us grow along the way. To Steve Caselman, my high school English teacher and cross country/track coach, thank you for providing the initial spark that started the creative fires that were strengthened through this workshop and for working so hard to help me grow, not just as an athlete, but in all areas of my life. Your mentorship and guidance has meant more throughout my life than I could possibly tell you. And most of all, a big thank you to my family. To my parents, whose love provided many of the outdoor experiences about which I write; and to my wife, Kelley, and my kids, Mike, Matt, Grace, and Layne, thank you for taking on the extra work at home and giving me the time and freedom to focus on and enjoy this writing journey. You are the inspiration not just for my writing, but my life. I love you. Dan Whisler

The South Central Kansas Writing Project, and in particular, Dr. Kear, Nancy and Gerri, I thank you. This experience has been a catalyst in taking me from being a "favorite pasttime" writer to believing that yes, I am a writer. A special thanks to my family who has laughed and cried with me as I write of the common experiences that make up the core of my creations. Thank you to all the teachers who encouraged my writing endeavors through the years. Your words of encouragement and advice for improvement have endowed me with the desire to write from the heart so that my words might touch those who read them. To my parents whose love and support allowed me to be the grounded person that I am, and especially to my husband, David, who supports me in all my decisions, right or wrong, and loves me anyway. I love you. Sandy Foster

I would like to thank my fellow authors in the writing project for inspiring me to become a better writer. I enjoyed the sharing of great teacher demos, writing prompts, and books, as well as the laughter that followed numerous comic moments. We became a genuine writing community. It was time well spent. Becky Frisbie

Enthusiastic and endless thanks; I extend to all who have contributed in professional and personal ways to our South Central Kansas Writing Project community of writers this summer. My gratitude goes especially to Dr. Kear, Nancy, Gerri, Jeff and T.C.’s for your leadership and dedication in growing a new garden of writers and for hours spent grading or conferencing with us over our most recent blooms. Grateful thanks goes to my fellow writers who listened gently and wisely to one another, providing a safe environment for buds and blooms to develop. I am grateful to my mother’s family for the Stevens’ story telling traditions, to her father, Benjamin Stevens, for his love of words, to my parents for bedtime books, songs and prayers and for insisting I attend college. Love and thanks to my husband, Paul and our children, Miriam and Seth. Our lives together have provided content for stories and still you let me compose at the computer all night; then read my creations in all stages of readiness and disarray. Thank you to Charlotte Huck for trying to teach me to spell during my junior year at Ohio State and to friends and teachers who have encouraged and edited countless drafts through the years. To my big brother, Chris, a special thanks for insisting that I apply for the SCKWP, no matter what! Meg Rice

_ Thanks to all - dp